Drugmaker Elan raised full-year earnings guidance after profitable results in the third quarter.

The growth was driven by its key multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri. Elan’s quarterly revenue rose 6 %, driven by a 19% jump in sales of Tysabri.

Elan posted basic and diluted income per share of 14 U.S. cents for the three months to the end of September, against a loss of 18 cents last year after it completed a deal to sell an 18.4% stake to U.S. company drugs major Johnson & Johnson.

Elan said that the $885 million deal, along with a proposed debt tender offer, reduced its net debt by approximately 60% to $600 million.

During the quarter Elan added 2,900 patients worldwide to the Tysabri therapy- compared to the 3,400 added in the second quarter.

Elan reiterated its full-year 2009 guidance for double-digit percentage revenue growth and said it expects adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) of around $75 million, better than previously expected.